CROWDS were left disappointed after gusting winds in Walney Channel scuppered the launch of the Wave Knight at the last minute.

Around 6,000 people had gathered at BAE Systems Marine in Barrow to see the 12.5 tonne naval tanker roll off her berths into the sea.

Specially-invited schoolchildren waved flags and cheered as they lined up with workers in anticipation of the area's biggest dynamic launch for more than 20 years.

Shipyard chaplain the Rev Tim Harrison conducted a religious ceremony - but then an announcement was made that, for safety reasons, the launch had been called off.

Members of the 250 dignitaries, including Barrow and Furness MP John Hutton, had assembled on a viewing platform and were visibly shocked by news that Wave Knight would not roll down the slipway.

But the naming ceremony went ahead with Lady Guthrie, wife of chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie, pulling the trigger to smash a bottle of champagne over the vessel.

Simon Kirby, acting managing director of BAE Systems Marine, told the Gazette a decision was made between the ship's pilot, Bob Fawcett, and harbourmaster Steve Young to postpone the launch because of blustery weather in the channel.

"There are 80 people on that ship and safety has to be paramount.

At the end of the day it is the right decision - it is disappointing but as a company we support that decision," he said.

It is hoped the vessel, which was assembled at open berth after huge sections were completed in the Devonshire Dock Hall, will be launched today (Friday) at 12.40pm.

John Hutton told the Gazette he was staying in Barrow this weekend and that he wanted to be there when the event took place.

"It will be a very great day with a lot of pride in the workforce as BAE announces to the world that it is back into shipbuilding."

Teacher Russell Brown, from Abbotsmead Junior School, said the 30 pupils he had brought along were a bit deflated by the postponement.

"The children thought it was an anticlimax but at the same time we have been very interested to see the boat.

"It is also nice for them to come out and mix with other children from other schools, It is just a pity it didn't happen."

Tim Owen travelled from Cark to see Wave Knight hit the water.

"It is a shame for so many people, especially the children, but you have got to be resolute about it," he said.

"When we walked back over the bridge we felt the wind and you could understand then.

It is such a huge vessel you don't want to see it going over."

Meanwhile, 3,500 staff and manual workers at BAE Systems Marine are deciding whether to take strike action over an agreement which could see them travelling to work at Scotstoun or Govan, near Glasgow.

The pay and mobility agreement requires BAE employees to cover at the company's other two yards when necessary.

Shipyard spokesman Martin Hebbert said management had accepted the proposals but staff and manual workers objected to the mobility clause.

"We have three shipyards and the work ebbs and flows and we need to make sure we have the workforce to do that work at each yard as is required.

In some circumstances that will mean people transferring between Scotstoun and Barrow or Govan.

"There are a lot of clauses in there to protect people and make sure people are not sent up at the drop of a hat but in Barrow they do not accept that."

GMB union convenor Keith Pearson said ballot papers had been sent out to homes this week and must be returned by a deadline of October 13.

"It is not appropriate for me to make a comment in reference to the ballot when members are receiving forms and making a decision," he said.

Derrick Dewhurst, staff convenor for the MSF union, also declined to comment while the ballot was ongoing.

A decision on whether employees will take industrial action is expected in mid October.